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PANTHERS AND MOTHER NATURE END HAMILTON’S SEASON

The Hamilton Cardinals returned to Bernie Arbour Stadium for game six in their quarter finals series with Kitchener looking to force a game seven. Unfortunately, the Panthers bats were alive and Mother Nature roared up a storm as Kitchener took the game 16-3 in six innings following some nasty weather. The loss for Hamilton ends their 2017 Intercounty Baseball League season.

The Panthers struck first with two runs that were walked in during their first at bats. Then in the second inning they sent ten batters to the plate scoring six runs which included a three-run home run by Sean Reilly.

Hamilton got on the board in the home half of the second. Connor Bowie tripled to open the inning then a sacrifice fly by Logan Stewart brought Bowie home.

Neither team would find the plate again until the fifth when Kitchener added three runs in the inning. They would stretch their lead to 15 as they scored five times in the top of the sixth which was capped off by a grand slam by Justin Interisano.

The Cardinals would manage to get a couple runs back in their half of the sixth. Chris Beer and Mike Hart hit back to back one out singles. Then a couple batters later Stewart singled which would allow both runners to score and make it a 16-3 game.

Just as the Hamilton took to the field to start the seventh the umpires suspended play due to the weather and was eventually made a final.

For the Cardinals, Nick Virdo took the loss, allowing four runs on six walks and a strikeout over one inning. Jake Foden relieved Virdo after a couple batters in the second but would also allow four runs on four hits and a walk. Benson Merritt then took over, pitching three innings, allowing three runs on six hits. Kyle Adoranti pitched the final inning played, allowing five runs on three hits and two walks.

For Kitchener, Matt McGovern earned the win going six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out six batters.

Winning Pitcher: Matt McGovern (2-0)
Losing Pitcher: Nick Virdo (1-1)

Kitchener Hitters
Tanner Nivins – 3 for 3 (2 Singles, Double, 2 Walks, Stolen Base, 3 Runs)
Sean Reilly – 2 for 3 (Single, 3-Run Home Run, Hit by Pitch, Sacrifice Fly, 2 Runs, 4 RBIs)
Justin Interisano – 1 for 4 (Grand Slam, Walk, 2 Runs, 5 RBIs)

Hamilton Hitters
Mike Hart – 2 for 3 (2 Singles, Stolen Base, Run)
Logan Stewart – 1 for 2 (Single, Sacrifice Fly, 3 RBIs)
Connor Bowie – 1 for 3 (Triple, 2 Strikeouts, Run)

Single game tickets for all Hamilton Cardinals home games are available at the Bernie Arbour Stadium Box Office on game day.

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